Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Expands Talliki Vandanam to 68.06 Lakh Students
Andhra Pradesh’s Cabinet approved more students for a government education-support programme called Talliki Vandanam.
With the new additions, about 68.06 lakh students are eligible.
The government also approved more money for the programme.
Students living in government hostels and other institutions will receive meals supported by higher diet rates.
A new residential centre will coach tribal students for IIT-JEE and NEET exams.
The Cabinet also made decisions about housing plots, support for ASHA workers, farming information and schools.
It approved a policy intended to attract foreign universities and private institutions to Andhra Pradesh.
The Cabinet approved assistance for 58,601 additional eligible students, bringing Talliki Vandanam beneficiaries to 68,05,791.
The scheme’s approved 2026-27 outlay rose from Rs 10,120.78 crore to Rs 10,208.69 crore.
Diet charges will rise by 10% from October 1 for 6,28,409 students in government hostels and other institutions.
The Cabinet approved a 600-seat residential coaching centre for tribal students preparing for IIT-JEE and NEET in Visakhapatnam.
Other decisions covered housing-site issues, ASHA worker gratuities, horticulture data services, school rules and higher-education policy.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and eligible students and other beneficiaries.
- What
- The Cabinet expanded Talliki Vandanam and approved a range of welfare, education, agriculture and housing measures.
- When
- The Cabinet meeting took place on Wednesday; the decisions concern 2026-27, with revised diet rates effective October 1.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The decisions provide educational assistance and other welfare support, while addressing housing, agriculture and education policy.
Requirements removed
Standards retained
Private school permissions
Requirements removed
The ordinance removes prior area surveys, notifications and determination-of-need requirements before permission is granted for establishing or registering private schools.
Standards retained
The government said safety, fire, sanitation, infrastructure and other recognition standards will continue to apply.
- Talliki Vandanam beneficiaries
- 68,05,791 after adding 58,601 eligible students
- Revised scheme outlay
- Rs 10,208.69 crore for 2026-27, up from Rs 10,120.78 crore
- Diet charge increase
- 10%, effective October 1
- Students affected by revised diet rates
- 6,28,409
- Tribal coaching centre
- 600 Intermediate students—300 boys and 300 girls—at Marikavalasa, Visakhapatnam
- ASHA worker gratuity
- Rs 5,000 for each completed year of service, capped at Rs 1.50 lakh
- House-site committee
- Three-member ministerial committee to address issues within 45 days